They left the castle untouched. The glass rested where it fell and Lancelot where he had fallen. For now, his body would rest with his defeated queen. Their story forever would be a tale of a lonely queen who chose darkness in the face of destiny and a man maddened by love.
When they finally walked outside, the sun, which had been clouded and covered by the mist, shined through the clouds which were starting to give way to the bright blue sky. Looking around them, it was with a startled gasp from beside him, he met Regina's eyes which were filled with wonder and he looked around for himself. The court was filled with blossoming trees.
Apple trees.
Closing her eyes, Regina tilted her head up, letting the falling pink petals from the light wind rain down on her face.
The land around them that was once bleak and dark was bathed in brilliant light. The air was no longer heavy as it was crisp and clear like the first spring storm. The only remnants of the mist hovered along the water's edge. When they made their way down the cliffs and onto the shores, they were met with squeals of delight from an old woman and the relieved sigh of a watchful knight.
There were no signs of the dark Fae which concerned him. From Merlin' warnings, Robin imagined an army awaiting him, not an all but abandoned shore. If it was not for the footprints in the sand and in the mud around him, he would've thought the only Fae still in Avalon were the young girls they knew so well.
The ferry took them to the resting cave. Their journey took until mid-evening before they reached their destination, and there they were welcomed by shouts and cheers of their companions and many more. Robin was surprised to find the smiling face of his cousin, the king, was awaiting him.
Stepping off the ferry, after many handshakes, Robin told Regina he would return and sought out an ear with the king. They took a walk up the shore onto the green grass above the beach.
It was Arthur who spoke first, "After you left Camelot, I realized I would not be the king this kingdom deserves if I remained behind. I'm truly sorry for my cowardice, cousin. When the mist began to lift, I knew then you had succeeded in that which I could not."
Robin gave a nod. Arthur did not try to hide his fault from him, even though Robin had not said a word about it. He had not had time, but he sensed Arthur's need to clear the air between them, so he replied, "Claire… Morgan told me what happened between you."
"I am sorry I could not be the one to tell you," Arthur said with a sigh. He didn't deny it and as Robin looked him in the eye, saw the deep regret there.
Tilting his head, Robin asked, "Why didn't you?"
Arthur let out a loud breath between his lips and turned away. His gaze fixated for the moment, on the crowd along the shore. "I was ashamed. I tried to save Camelot by giving Morgan what she desired. I won't lie when I tell you I enjoyed it for a time. By plucking Avalon from its home, she gave us shelter, the promise of long lives, and not only that but a life with her. I accepted her offer and in doing so, I failed my people. I left them while I sought my own lustful desires."
"But you returned."
Arthur nodded. "Eventually, yes, and only because of Lancelot did I return. He reminded me of the kingdom I left behind, the people who needed their leader. He offered to take my place with the queen."
"And the child?"
"His innocent life and death will haunt me till my last breath." Taking a breath, he let it out slowly. The king's shoulders rose and fell, and for a moment, Robin saw the man and still grieving father. "Forgive me, cousin, for I am not the man you thought I was."
Robin knew something of regret. His final words to his father, leaving Marian behind… all men fall whether by their own hand or another, but he'd learned it was how they rise that mattered. "We all have our faults and made our mistakes. I've certainly made my own share. Even the greatest of kings have their own darkness they must conquer."
"Aye, that we do." Looking down he untied a small satchel from his belt and held it out to him. "It's not enough, I don't know if anything will ever be enough to display my sincerest gratitude for doing that which I could not, but I hope this will do for now."
Robin tilted his head. "Arthur, there is no need -"
"Please," Arthur interrupted, "I insist. I hope it will help your own quest when you return home."
Taking the back, Robin was nearly knocked over by what he found. "Gold. By God there must be -"
"Enough to pay the ransom and hopefully some left over to make a nice life for your family."
His head shook slowly. "It's too much."
Arthur laughed. "You know as well as I do, dear cousin, if Camelot does not return home I will have little use for it and neither will my people."
"And if you do?"
A grin pulled the king's lips up. "We have more. Camelot was not called the Golden City for nothing."
"Then clearly I would be a fool not to accept such a gift."
Arthur laughed and clapped an arm around his shoulder as they walked on.
A set of large stone sat alongside the tide, where Regina watched the wave's crash into the cliffs beside the entrance to the cave of Merlin. Closing her eyes, she relaxed and listened to the sounds of the sea and the birds in the distance while she waited for Robin to return, thinking of Snow and Roland. Saving what energy she had left, as it was very little and still so tired.
Her eyes opened at the voice beside her. "My lady, I know you are anxious for your return, but would you kindly humor an old woman and have a walk with me?
Looking over, a soft smile graced her lips. Madam Millicent was standing beside her, looking pleased with herself. Rising to her feet, Regina inclined her head. "Of course."
Millicent stepped up beside her and took Regina by the arm, pulling her close. Regina smiled at the old woman's boldness in familiarity, not as bothered as she once was. Patting Regina's hand, Millicent said, "Now, I want you to know, I know my wild spirit has perturbed you-"
Regina gave her a light laugh and tried to interrupt her. "Millicent, please don't-"
"Now, now," Millicent said. "You cannot say you have not desired to toss me from your presence a time or two. I know you better than you think, young sorceress."
"Maybe not toss you from it completely," Regina teased.
Millicent let out a great laugh that made Regina smile until she looked around them and her face fell. They had walked away from where the men and women were gathered to a small inlet. She could no longer see anyone from their party and with a furrowed brow, Regina asked, "Where are we going?"
With a knowing smile, Millicent whispered, "It is time for you to meet the Lady."
Regina's eyes widened as she gazed forward into the blue eyes of the most beautiful woman she had ever seen.
Her long, dark hair fell over her shoulders to her waist, and she wore robes of white which flowed around her in the light breeze like it was made of the air around her. She wore a crown like Claire's, only untarnished. Simmering silver twisted in into leaves and blossoms of gold. Her eyes were kind, and it was this kindness that drew Regina's footsteps to her without hesitance.
"Regina," she said when they were feet away.
Her voice was soft and poured musically from her. Regina didn't know how one would address the Lady of Avalon, so she did the only thing she believed appropriate and bowed. "Lady Nimue."
"Please, rise young one," the Lady reached out for her. "With the help of my sister's child, you saved our land. I want to thank you for all that you've done. I am no longer bound to the lake as I once was and can begin to rebuild my kingdom once again."
Regina swallowed as the Lady's hand closed around hers. "What will become of Avalon?"
"Its fate is no longer what it was. As Morgan's magic fades, so will the hold. The magical veil that shielded Avalon from the mortal world will lift, and those who seek the Isle will be able to return home."
"And the Fae?"
"They have retreated into the shadows of mountains of the great Isle for now. But those who followed Morgan will be punished for their deeds, the Goddess will make sure of it." The Lady smiled at her but this time it was difficult for Regina to return. Avalon and Camelot were not safe, but the world she would return to was filled with uncertainty. "You are still troubled?"
She shouldn't be seeking assurance for herself, but it was difficult to not be honest in her presence. "I'm… I'm concerned for the actions I have taken back in my land and for the safety of those that I love."
The lady's eyes gentled. "Yes, I know of that which you speak. While I cannot tell you of the challenges of which you face, the Goddess has allowed me to offer you hope. The blood of Old runs through Robin's veins and she has blessed you with her gifts. Look to the spring, for it will bring with it a birth. You will be the mother of many priestesses." Regina placed her hand on her abdomen, but the Lady shook her head. "Soon."
Regina smiled through her tears that were now threatening to fall. "Thank you, Lady."
The Lady shook her head and closing the distance between them, placed a kiss to Regina's forehead. "Fear not for your future, Regina. For this will not be the last time you set eyes upon Avalon."
When she and Millicent returned, she found her husband waiting for them. His warm, smile widening as they approached. Millicent walked up to him, saying nothing, only giving Robin a soft pat on the cheek before joining Merlin along the water's edge.
Robin looked over to Millicent and then his eyes fell on Regina. He looked at her quizzically, but she only smiled at him. "How was your talk with Millicent?"
"It was good," she said. He raised his brow, looking amused, and Regina rolled her eyes. "Perhaps she's not so horrible."
"Indeed." He chuckled while leaning down, placing a kiss on her lips which she readily accepted. Then remembering her talk with the Lady, smiled against his lips. He pulled away from her, looking perplexed. Eyes searching hers, he asked, "What is it?"
"Nothing," she said with a light laugh. Perhaps later she would tell him about the Lady's revelation to her, but for now, she would keep it to herself. "I'm ready to go home."
"Well then," he said, holding his arm out to her. "Shall we, my Lady Locksley?"
Rejoining the others, Arthur called out and gathered everyone around. Robin couldn't help but laugh at his cousin's likeness for grand departures.
When he was satisfied everyone was listening, he stood before Robin. "I want to thank you, my cousin. For it is because of you and your wife that my kingdom is now safe. Merlin assures me now that Morgan's hold is fading, we may see Camelot return to its rightful home soon. Until then…" Arthur trailed off, taking his sword from its sheath before grinning widely at Robin.
Robin's brow furrowed. "What's this?"
"If you don't mind, kneel before your king." Robin opened his mouth to protest, but Arthur held his hand up. "Please, allow me this."
Robin gazed at Regina, who smiled. His heart quickened. He didn't save Camelot for the glory or for any other reason but to save the woman he loved. But it was because of that loved Camelot was saved, so though he did not believe he deserved such an honor, shaking his head, Robin kneeled.
"Robin Locksley, do you accept the accolade of knighthood that I am offering you?"
Looking up at his king, he pledged, "I do."
"For this honor has been passed from knight to knight throughout the ages of old and it shall continue, thanks to you." Arthur said, "It is with this sword, given to Merlin from the Lady Nimue herself, I knight thee. Do you now swear by all that you hold sacred, true, and holy that you will honor and defend the crown and kingdom of Camelot?
He knew without a doubt this would be true. "I will."
"That you will honor, defend, and protect all ladies and those weaker than yourself?"
"I will."
"I dub thee, Robin Locksley, with the great sword Excalibur, and by all that you hold sacred, true, and holy. Once for honor, twice for duty, thrice for chivalry. Arise, Sir Robin."
Standing, Robin met the eyes of his cousin and king. Holding out his hand, Robin said, "Thank you, Your Highness."
Arthur took his hand, then placed his other over the top of them. "No, thank you. Please know, you have a home in Camelot whenever you are in need, and I hope I will see you again soon."
They stood on the barge with Merlin on the small ferry which sailed them slowly into the cave.
Robin's hand pressed against her back, strong and supporting her through the swells of the sea. The blackness of the cave surrounded them as they entered, and it was then Merlin turned to face them, his smiling eyes looked at them one final time.
Tears filled Regina's eyes as the wizard form disappeared, returning to his rest.